Chicago Bears

Bears have no Pro Bowlers for first time since turn of century

Published Dec. 23, 2015 9:19 a.m. ET

foxsports

The NFL announced the 2016 Pro Bowl roster on Tuesday, and the Chicago Bears did not have a single player selected for the annual all-star game.

Via ESPN's Jeff Dickerson:

The #Bears did not have a single player named to the Pro Bowl.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) December 23, 2015

This is the first time the Bears have been without a Pro Bowl selection since the 1998 season ('99 Pro Bowl).

Last year's two selections -- offensive lineman Kyle Long and tight end Martellus Bennett -- fell short this time around. After making the Pro Bowl at right guard in each of his first two seasons, Long switched to right tackle this season and wasn't as impressive. Bennett set career-high receiving figures in 2014, but his production plummeted this year and he finished the season on injured reserve (ribs).

Chicago's other top candidates for the Pro Bowl couldn't stay healthy this season. Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee, shoulder) missed two games, running back Matt Forte (knee) missed three and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (calf, hamstring, groin, shoulder) missed five.